The shortlist is finally here. And the event is completely sold out!
If there is one thing this year’s BPA Empowering Women Awards has proved, it’s that we are surrounded by extraordinary women.
Over the past few months, over 400 hundred nominations from across the country have landed on the BPA Team’s desks. In category after category, the discussions were tough. Not because there weren’t enough strong candidates, but because there were so many. The standard has been exceptional.
Business leaders. Educators. Healthcare professionals. Entrepreneurs. Community champions. Volunteers. Women quietly changing lives without ever seeking recognition for it.
“What impressed me most wasn’t the number of nominations we received. We were ready for that.” said Nadim Hanif – CEO and co-founder, BPA Empowering Women Awards.
“It was the scale of impact behind them. These women are leading businesses, strengthening communities and inspiring the next generation. Their stories deserve to be seen and celebrated,” he added.
“To all those who have been shortlisted, congratulations – this is an achievement to be truly proud of.”
Andleeb Hanif, Chairperson and co-founder of the BPA Empowering Women Awards said: “The shortlist is more than a list of finalists. It is a reflection of the extraordinary contribution women are making every day – often without recognition, but never without impact.
“If this year’s awards taught us anything, it’s that there is no shortage of talented women. The real challenge wasn’t finding excellence – it was choosing between it.”
The shortlist that follows below represents an outstanding group of women whose achievements, dedication and impact stood out in an already remarkable field.
SHORTLISTED FINALISTS
BPA Empowering Women Awards 2026
Outstanding Woman in Arts, Media & Culture
Rumela Bandyopadhyay – Co-Founder New Beginnings
Safoora Akbar – Director at Moochi Media LTD
Rabia Patel – Lecturer, Poet, Writer, Mentor
Eyarun Nessa – Content Creator/Photographer
Emb Hashmi – Founder of Storytelling for CEOs
Businesswoman of the Year
Zara Saleem – Co-Founder Delhicious Body
Olga Leromenko – Founder Olgish Cakes
Sofia Younis – COO & Co-Founder of Serenity Specialist Care
Maryam Iqbal – Director & Founder of Royal Onsen
Fallaq Ujalla – Founder & CEO of Skylight Lounge
Community Champion of the Year
Hana Agha – Project Co-Ordinator, Give a Gift Charity
Fozia Naseem – Partnerships Manager at GiveBradford & MD at Hop On Cycling
Meena Kumari – Director & Founder of HOPE
Abrana Malik – Deputy Play Leader, Child Seasons, LCC
Naz Khan – Co-founder BAK Foundation
Outstanding Woman in Education
Debbie Anness – Headteacher, Belle Vue Girls’ Academy
Chelsea Wright – Head of Centre & Safeguarding Lead Link AP Academy
Shaheen Myers – Founder & Director of Balance-ed
Surraya Patel – Teacher of Science/ Personal trainer
Dee Mistry Patel – Educational Consultant/Director/Author
Empowerment Champion of the Year
Shabana Butt – Yoga and Mindfulness Expert
Lucy Ndlovu – Founder of Progressive Talent CIC
Sonia Fayyaz – Community Engagement Manager at Active Bradford
Fatima Zehra – Doctoral Researcher/Lecturer
Entrepreneur of the Year
Dr Farzana Khan – Doctor in Regenerative Medicine & Womens Health
Aysha Nazir – Founder & Director Beauty Dreams Salon & Aysha Nazir Clothing
Sarah Ajeil – Founder & Director of Hamama
Kiran Khan – Founder of Chakelet
Aisha Ansari – Founder & CEO MONOS Group
Healthcare Professional of the Year
Bushra Effendi – Advanced Pharmacist & Menopause Specialist
Nertila Xhukellari – Healthcare Assistant / Sheffield Teaching Hospital
Sumayya Nowrin – GP Partner at Woodside Medical Centre
Dr Aleeza Khan – Assistant Teaching Professor, University of Greater Manchester
Dr Farzana Khan – Doctor in Regenerative Medicine & Womens Health
Influential Woman of the Year
Lucy Ndlovu – Founder of Progressive Talent CIC
Asiya Dawood – Founder South Asian Babyloss Awareness Week
Tomiwa Dada – Executive Director, Babes of the Most High Global CIC
Aaliya Khan – Founder & Director Women of Fortitude CIC
Excellence in the Legal Sector
Saher Tariq – Director & Solicitor at YHM Solicitors
Nasreen Karim – Founder & Lawyer, Platinum Partnerships
Eram Malik – Employment Solicitor, Islamophobia Response Unit (IRU)
Sumayyah Saloo – Associate Solicitor (Child Care Department) – JWP Solicitors
Amanda Jahangirfard – Solicitor, Tyler Hoffman
Professional of the Year
Farah Qureshi – CEO & Founder – Global Diversity Practice
Aalia Ahmed – CEO and Lead VAT Consultant, VAT Genius
Dounia Bakira – General Manager, AESSEAL Marine plc
Louise Berwick – Director, South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce & Training Hub
Dr Shajara Ul-Durar – Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Responsible Management
Outstanding Woman in Public Service
Rizwana Parveen – Director, Department for Work and Pensions
Shareena Lee Satti – Senior Project Manager at the National Literacy Trust
Kiran Bali MBE JP – Global Chair, Prosocial World
Sajda Shah MBE – Public Service and Communities Leader
Akeela Din Mohammed DL – Director of Healthy Her CIO
Sport Champion of the Year
Jamila Karolia – Founder & Director, Samata Pilates
Nalette Tucker – Founder & CEO of Sunnah Sports Community CIC
Zuby Hamard – Strategic Lead, Sport & Physical Activity, Bradford Council
Suffia Hussain – Senior Karate & Self-Defence Coach
Humera Khan – CEO of Happy Healthy You
Young Achiever of the Year
Sara Gajra – Young Leader, Making Sparks
Ehlissay Naqvi – National Trust Youth Literacy Leader & Community Volunteer
Maryam Jazeem – Founder of Quran30Global & #iWill Youth Ambassador
Miran Almass – Air Cadet 168 Squadron Leeds
Hafsa Shahid – Law Student
Rukhsar Jahangir – Barrister (Unregistered)
Special Commendations
The following special commendations will be announced at the BPA Empowering Women Awards & Gala Dinner, Thursday 25th June 2026.
- Special Recognition Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Trailblazer of the Year Award
- Family Legacy Award
- Pioneering Woman in Business Award
